Archive By Section - High School Columns

Normally, Election Day is on the first Tuesday of November, and because the first day of November fell on a Tuesday, I would have been too young to vote -- 17 years and 364 days too young. Then, to my joy, I learned that the date in which we elect our public officials was moved to the second Tuesday of November. This made it where I was now eligible to vote. I was elated.

Senior year. Those two words in the same sentence are what every student waits to hear from the time they walk through the doors of high school until they take their final walk across the stage. Seniors have all of the perks; dismissed a solid two minutes before the rest of the student-body, running for homecoming/prom king and queen, and being recognized as a senior athlete.

We have all heard the famous rhyme of sticks and stones, insinuating that the pain of a broken bone hurts more than being led to believe that no one will ever fall in love with you. Bullying comes in several forms and is most prominent but by no means limited to the bullying that takes place at school. For if a student breaks in a school and no one chooses to hear it, do they make a sound?

The day you "graduate" fifth grade, you never think of going back. Never do we have to walk through those doors again, or in the hallways. No more being an elementary kid! Bigger and better things lie ahead and there is no turning back. But oh, how things can change over time…

It is something we, as teenagers, never ponder. It never crosses our mind, and is rarely brought to our attention. We think we are invincible and that we will live forever. That is, until it happens to someone. Someone we can relate to. They walk through hallways like we do. They go to classes like we do. And for some, they step out into the athletic realm like we do. It is only when it happens to those among the high school world, that it impacts "us" all. "It," in this sense, is death.

Throughout my life, I have been taught by many teachers. They all have made some impact on my life, good and bad. However, through this journey, I have discovered many qualities a great teacher has which many teachers do not.

There has been a lot of recent drama in the news lately regarding Planned Parenthood. The organization was accused of selling fetal tissue for profit and, despite the rumors, this accusation is not true. With the mother's permission, Planned Parenthood donates the fetal tissue for scientific research. The organization only receives reimbursement for its expenses in processing the tissue. According to Eric Ferrero, the vice president of communications for Planned Parenthood, there is no financial benefit to either the patient or Planned Parenthood.

With the holidays here, a majority of people are caught up in the season's spirit. While teachers all over are excited for a break from school, they also felt the pressure as they prepared lesson plans to incorporate end of course exam (EOC) reviews. These exams normally take place prior to the winter break; however, the severe flooding which affected numerous areas in Kershaw County earlier this year has pushed these dates back.

In the morning, many girls all over get up an extra hour early to dress themselves and put on makeup, only to be judged upon arrival at school. The judgement does not only come from fellow students, but also from administration and teachers. This judgement comes from the dress code enforced for female students. While we understand certain dress codes are enforced in the workplace, we ask for administrators to understand we are teenagers.

Do you remember what is was like at 15? You do not want to be considered a child, but you do not yet qualify for all of the adult endeavors in life. Everyone has been stuck at this awkward stage. You are dying to get a job, but you lack the necessary experience.